How to fix THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER BSoD error in Windows 11/10

What is THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER error

THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) issue that occurs when a device driver, typically associated with the graphics card, gets stuck in an infinite loop while waiting for the hardware to enter an idle state. This error indicates that there’s a problem with the driver or the hardware itself. It is most commonly associated with outdated, corrupt, or incompatible graphics drivers but can also be caused by faulty hardware, overheating, or conflicts with other software. Users experiencing this error may notice their system crashing unexpectedly, leading to data loss and interrupted workflow. The BSoD error message provides minimal information, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause without troubleshooting. Understanding the underlying reasons for this error is crucial for applying the correct fixes. It affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, emphasizing the need for updated drivers and system maintenance. Resolving this error ensures system stability and optimal performance. Regular updates and hardware checks can prevent such errors from occurring in the future.

Solutions to Fix THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER Error

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers are a common cause of this error. To update them:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters category.
3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

You can also download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Updating each driver manually is time- and energy-consuming. If you are willing to save it and update drivers faster, we recommend using a special utility called Driver Booster from IObit. It has broad databases of drivers for all of the devices you need to maintain your PC. You can download it using the button below.

Download Driver Booster

Rollback Graphics Drivers

If the error started after a recent driver update, rolling back to the previous version may help:

1. Open Device Manager as before.
2. Expand Display adapters and double-click your graphics card.
3. Navigate to the Driver tab.
4. Click on Roll Back Driver and follow the prompts.

Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your operating system is up to date:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. Select Check for updates and install any available updates.

Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause driver errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for the process to complete.
3. After that, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if third-party applications are causing conflicts:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items.
5. Restart your computer.

Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause hardware components to malfunction:

1. Ensure your computer is in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean any dust from fans and vents.
3. Consider using cooling pads for laptops.

Update BIOS

An outdated BIOS can lead to hardware compatibility issues:

1. Identify your BIOS version by typing msinfo32 in the Run dialog.
2. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website for updates.
3. Follow the provided instructions carefully to update the BIOS.

Scan for Malware

Malware can interfere with system processes:

1. Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
2. Run a full system scan and remove any threats.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

In some cases, disabling hardware acceleration in browsers and applications can help:

1. Open the settings of the application.
2. Look for the Hardware Acceleration option.
3. Toggle it off and restart the application.

Replace the Graphics Card

If none of the above solutions work, the graphics card might be faulty:

1. Test the graphics card on another system if possible.
2. Consider replacing it with a new one.

Implementing these solutions should resolve the THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER error, restoring system stability and preventing further BSoD incidents.